Bound by Their Blood: A Why-Choose Monster Romance

by Autumn Hawthorne

Lonely, broke, and trying to outrun the shadows of her past, Elodie needs one thing to go her way. For once.

Years of hard work went up in smoke when Vyn, her infuriatingly hot draconic rival, stole the enchantment apprenticeship she needed to get work in the city. Now, Elodie’s options and savings dwindle by the day.

The festival of pleasure provides the perfect Rhas and Xytian. Rhas is bright and warm like his fang-filled grins, while Xytian is a dagger wrapped in silk. The vampire lovers are willing to share her in every way she needs.

But for monsters like them, one taste of her blood isn’t enough.

And Vyn? The massive monster wasn’t happy with only stealing Elodie’s apprenticeship. They want her heart, too.

Elodie is bound to the three monsters in a rare mate bond she can’t deny, but surrendering her heart would put them all at risk. The deadly cult she thought she escaped years ago is hunting down mages, and she won’t be lucky enough to get away a second time. As the cult’s vile shadow spreads across the city, Elodie must decide what’s risking her life or risking heartbreak?

Bound by Their Blood is a high heat, fast burn standalone Why Choose Fantasy Romance with two vampire/incubus monsters, a nonbinary dragon, and a plus size human woman.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Why Choose, Monsters, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks, Dark

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Autumn Hawthorne is a feral bi goblin who writes spicy, queer Fantasy Romance with monsters and a little otherworldly twist. Autumn has written all of her life, and has dozens of ideas she’s trying to type out as fast as her little fingers will go. When she isn’t writing, Autumn plays video games, practices witchcraft, and yaps to anyone who will listen about her current read!

Reviews

[Kacy L. Kennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Elodie has worked hard to earn an apprenticeship with a well-known master, but it all goes down the drain when her rival earns it over her. Faced with limited money and resources and struggling to figure out what to do with her life now, Elodie decides to spend one night distracted by her new home before regrouping.

But what was meant to be a single night of pleasure with two very hot monsters morphs into a tantalizing romance filled with unexpected love and devotion.

Now, a cult of deadly mages threatens to rip apart the entire city and take Elodie down with it. Will she fall to the deathly magic alone, or will she come to rely on her newfound loves?

***************

Written in third-person POV, "Bound by Their Blood" follows Elodie, Rhas, Xytian, and Vyn as they attempt to uncover the motives and identity of the deadly cult intent on destroying their city while also exploring their growing romance. This was an incredibly fast-paced, why-choose romance filled with plenty of steam and intrigue for fantasy lovers.

It doesn't take long for Xytian and Rhas to pull Elodie into a relationship filled with passion and steam despite Elodie's reservations towards long-lasting romances. She had previously experienced heartbreak before she left her home and family behind to travel the world, and now she sought only pleasure and short-lived nights with strangers. Elodie's romance with Vyn came out of the blue however. They went from enemies to lovers far too quickly to feel like it was a well-developed romance. And the same went for the romance between Xytian and Rhas and Vyn. Xytian and Rhas were already a mated couple before the beginning of the book, and they weren't planning on adding any more to their coupling until they met Elodie.

And then enters the cult. I do feel like the entire purpose, motives, and actions of the cult felt underdeveloped. I didn't particularly care about them for the most part because they didn't really matter to the romance. Yes, Xytian and Rhas both had jobs related to uncovering the cult, but that was essentially it. The cult wasn't specifically targeting Elodie or Xytian and Rhas. It just so happened that she was harmed by them during attacks against the city. But then there was the twist reveal near the ending that came out of the blue. Did it particularly matter? No. Did it change anything for Elodie? Also no. She was already gonna do exactly what she did anyway. And Xytian and Rhas were already determined to take down the cult for their jobs anyway too.

While the steam was hot and the romance cute between Xytian, Rhas, and Elodie, I felt like it was quite underdeveloped when adding in Vyn. The worldbuilding was also a bit lackluster and the suspense when adding the cult didn't really do much to the story or character development. I also don't really think Elodie underwent enough character development to suddenly be okay with a long-term romance when she never wanted one in the entire beginning of the novel.

I know there are people who love fantasy romances with magic or those who enjoy steamy romances, and I'd definitely recommend this book to them. But will I read this book again? Probably not. Was it good for a first time read? It was okay.

However, I usually enjoy more plot with my porn.

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meg Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me. Why choose monster romance? Absolutely 💯 yes. 👏
elodie was a stunning main character, I love her and her relationship with herself and her pleasure was SO well written! I adored her character so much.Rhas , Xytian and Vyn were excellent characters, the fight scenes in this book also were excellent. Very intriguing plot that had me hooked from the first page. The world of Nozven Autumn has crafted really drew me in and had me longing to be there.
I received an ARC which I am so thankful for and all thoughts are given freely 🫶
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jarlyn Camacho · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Bound by Their Blood by Autumn Hawthorne, and let me just say… SPICY doesn’t even begin to cover it.

It’s a why-choose fantasy monster romance, and while the spice level was through the roof, the plot still held strong and kept me hooked. The world-building was vivid, the tension between characters was delicious, and Elodie — our FMC — was sassy, smart, and resourceful.

Also, fair warning: I think the word “cock” was used more times than I could count — pretty sure it broke a record!
If you’re looking for a wild, steamy ride with monsters, magic, and a heroine who owns her power, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

Excited to see what Autumn Hawthorne writes next!

[liz Chepkwony · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: I devoured this book!! It starts off strong right off the bat. The main character Elodie starts out down on her luck in love and life in general (I love that she isn’t a novice in the love department). But then she meets two handsome monsters, and their monster sized 🍆. After meeting these males, her annoying cohort that beat her out for an apprenticeship starts showing up everywhere she is and the plot thickens.

This book is spicy!! You might need to take an antacid before you start it that’s how spicy it is. Haha!!

The plot underlying the love story made this book even better and the plot twist. Wow!! I did not see that coming. Such a good fantasy romance, would totally recommend.

I will put a disclaimer though if you are someone who doesn’t enjoy a fantasy world with its own rules and aren’t able to suspend your disbelief while just trusting that magic and this world are the reason things work the way they do. This book might not be for you. But if you are like me and live for that stuff enjoy. 😉

Also check the content considerations before reading and bookmark the glossary. You won’t need it for long but at first it’s very helpful.

[Annie (Houseofbooksandboardgames) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book absolutely delivers on a high heat, low angst why choose monster romance. Elodie is a delight and her monsters are very sweet with her (and each other!).

As advertised this book is heavy on the spice and monster anatomy so if that's your thing I'd definitely recommend this.

Thanks to Autumn Hawthorne for the ARC!

[DawnOfSpice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dearest Unhinged Readers,

I’ve been marooned in Slumpsville lately, but praise be to the book gods for @Lostinomegapages as she dragged me out—our latest ARC pick is a wild ride. Imagine a why‑choose monster romance so scandalously scorching you’ll question your life choices…and basic physics. 😏😏😏

What Set My Pages Ablaze
• Relationship Alchemy: Watching our quartet morph from a couple and two strangers into a little family of spice was pure magic. Each monster’s devotion felt heartfelt—even when things got…ahem…acrobatic. This was such a great take on the RH fated mates trope.

• Blazing HAWT Scenes: Descriptions here should come with safety goggles. 🔥🍆🔥 They sizzle without sacrificing emotional depth—an erotic tightrope masterfully walked.

• Cult Conspiracy: A clandestine society dripping with rituals that send literal chills down your spine. The lore, the hierarchies, the missing magic users—it’s fresh, unsettling, and deeply intriguing.

• World‑Weaving Wonder: From large plushy beds to an intricate magical maze, every setting thrummed with magical detailing that pulled me deeper into this fantastical and dangerous city.

Why It’s a 3½‑Star Affair
I’m docking one and a half stars for two reasons. First, I felt like I was gulping from a firehose of world‑building—especially when we shifted from Elodie’s POV. Glossary in hand, I was still scrambling to keep pace. It wasn’t until halfway through that everything clicked into place. Second—and my biggest heartache—the cultists themselves remained tantalizingly mysterious. After all that rich setup, their motives and rituals get waved away, leaving us with more questions than answers. With this author’s knack for immersive detail, a deeper dive into the cult could’ve been phenomenal.

The True Stars
Next to Elodie, Vynn was my favorite chorus member. Their addition to the chorus just made sense! I loved their POV. But I must give a special meowntion to Monroe—the true star of this story. I loved his dramatics 🐈

Final Verdict: 3½ Stars out of 5
Hungry for a monstrous why‑choose packed with angst, spice, and a lot of 🍆🍆🍆? This one’s for you. Just be prepared for a little heavy lifting with the world‑building and a cult storyline that leaves you wanting a little more.

Stay spicy,
DawnOfSpice

[bookish_things_by_k.a_a · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author for a second ARC!

The latest release from Autumn Hawthorne, Bound by Their Blood is a super spicy monster romance crossed with the beginnings of a huge epic fantasy, with all of the representation and a polycule romance for good measure.

This was a great read. There was action, there was romance, there was a beautiful relationship development, all coming together into a very well written package. This is a standalone, in the same universe as Hawthorne's previous release, Woven by Fate; while there are hints back to that story, this is completely independent.

The story has two very distinct halves; the formation of the polycule, and the fantasy action. The two mesh together well when needed and push each other forward, but are kept separate enough that they can be explored independently.

Representation is huge in this story. You have a major focus on LGBTQ+ here, pretty much every character is bi or poly. And a wide range of body types; plus size is common and even worshipped, on both sides (yay for Rhas and his barrel chested dad-bod!).

The relationship side of things is gorgeously written. There is a huge focus on mutual respect between everyone involved. It is pointed out very frequently that choice is important, and the writing shows a very fluid dom-sub setup between the four of them. Along with the focus on emotional outlets and sharing, this comes out as a surprisingly good show of a healthy relationship.

Of course, a pretty large part of the story is the spice, and let me tell you, the spice was spicin'. This easily pushes into high smut territory for me; it launches straight in, there's no messing around and there's rarely less than three people involved. There are all sorts of tropes and kinks explored, with a full menu covering a good half a page at the start to really get you excited.

Another great release from the author, as spicy as promised and with a wider story I'd love to see more of.

[Daniel Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, just yes.
Another great story
This isn’t my usual type of book but I glad I took the chance and of course a twist I didn’t see coming.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book itself is set in a magical world with gods, mages, different kinds of monsters, and a different kind of royalty. The main character is named Eloide who is a human novice mage, who meets her 2 of her partners at a pleasure festival. Xytian is sassy, spicy and protective. Rhas is a total sweetheart, but badass. Her other partner, she was already familiar with: Vyn is stubborn, cocky and down bad for Elodie. Not only is a four way romance happening, but The Voice is Stars cult is quickly gaining power. People are going missing, murder is on the mind (when spice isn’t 😈). The city of Nozven is in terror. The top mages have all disappeared, only Elodie and Vyn have stayed to work in the city. Together the four of them work together, to try to take down the cult and keep themselves safe.

This book pointed out how differently people exposed to trauma react to things and heal. Elodie was very human, with her way of thinking and Hawthorne showed that in her book. Her emotions are fully felt, and her partners are patient and loving. They will do anything to protect her, while still trying to respect her boundaries. As reading I got to see how Elodie and Vyn grew closer and the banter between Elodie and Vyn was *chefs kiss*. One of my favorite things was how Hawthorne was vividly descriptive about the characters, the location, the buildings. It was like I could see it. Another one of my favorite things were the different gods and goddesses. The characters are deeply dedication to their religions, and the worship of them.
I highly recommend this book to anybody who likes magic, monsters, and protective MMC’s.
I was given an arc of this book, and voluntarily do this review and the thoughts are all my own.

[Kaniah Dahlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

“My love, if you want to put a collar on anyone, put it on Rhas. I’ll hold the leash if you like.”

Bound by Their Blood is a spicy, “why choose” fantasy novel that leaves nothing to the imagination 😉. As a resident filth reader, I picked up this ARC excited and ready to get down and dirty. And while there’s plenty to love (and to suck) in Bound by Their Blood, I really wished the plot had been expanded on more!

I was very intrigued by Hawthorne’s writing and how she brings her characters & world to life. While the grammar and sentence structure were a bit hard to follow at times (I’m certain this will be fixed before official release), the story and world building made this book impossible to put down! Autumn writes absolutely searing banter, rich world building, and sexual tension that would have anybody running for a quickie.

I’d gladly bleed for you, tear the heart out of any who dared come close. As long as you’re safe, I don’t care what happens to me.”

This smutty novel does come with a warning about just how much of the book is spent in the sheets over the streets, but everytime we were dragged back into the terrifying world of the Voice of the Stars cult I kept wanting to spend just a little longer alongside this unique plot line. The plot was so well written and intriguing that I found myself almost disappointed every time we ended up back to the most throughly explored word in the book, “c0ck.” All that goes to say that despite my personal tastes, Hawthorne knows how to give an intriguing story with plenty of nasty things going down in the bedroom.

And I couldn’t write this review without talking about our sassy, down to earth FMC, Elodie. I love that despite the fact that she initially chases after the males to get a little more pushin in her cushion (honestly relatable, you go girl), she’s still a strong FMC unafraid to set boundaries with her partners and make her own decisions not based on fate or the will of those around her. She’s got a “take no shit” attitude that makes her that much easier to love.

Overall this short novel is perfect for those who love monster romances (and monster 🍆), why choose, with a sprinkle of fantasy and cult activity and plenty of bedroom time if you know what I mean. This book is mildly dark at times and VERY kinky so check for content warnings!!

Thank you to Autumn Hawthorne for the ARC of this novel! While I was sent a copy, my words are my own. Enjoy!

[Raquel Caldeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by Their Blood is a spicy, why-choose monster romance that delivers on heat, heart, and high-stakes magic. Autumn Hawthorne spins a tale that’s equal parts steamy and suspenseful, with a rich fantasy world that pulls you in — even if it occasionally makes you work for it 😉.

The story follows Elodie, a human mage caught in a tangled web of desire, danger, and destiny. Between the possessive (and polar-opposite) monsters Rhas and Xytian, the surprise connection with her rival Vyn, and a growing threat from a shadowy cult, there’s never a dull moment. Each relationship dynamic feels unique, and watching this chaotic quartet evolve from strangers and rivals into something resembling a fiercely bonded found family is pure trope gold.

The spice? Next-level. Like, "are we breaking the laws of physics?" level. The intimate scenes are scorching, imaginative, and emotional — never gratuitous, always grounded in character connection.

The world-building is impressively layered, filled with magical hierarchies, plush surroundings, and an undercurrent of tension that keeps the pages turning. That said, the sheer volume of names, terms, and magical systems can feel overwhelming at times — even with a glossary at hand. It takes a bit of focus to get fully immersed, but once you do, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of the world.

The cult subplot is deliciously eerie and full of potential, but some aspects felt underdeveloped by the end. With such a compelling setup — missing magic users, ritualistic threats, and deep magical lore — a more thorough payoff would’ve elevated the stakes even further.

Character-wise, Elodie is a standout: sassy, smart, and determined not to let heartbreak define her. Rhas and Xytian each bring their own flavor of monster appeal, but it’s Vyn who truly surprised me — their POV adds depth and intrigue that enriches the overall dynamic. And of course, Monroe the cat steals every scene he’s in with his dramatic flair🐈.

If you love your romance monster-flavored, high-heat, and full of magical tension, Bound by Their Blood is absolutely worth the read. Expect a little mental gymnastics with the world-building, but you’ll be rewarded with sizzling chemistry, heartfelt bonds, and a fantasy setting unlike any other.

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by Their Blood is a blisteringly hot monster romance that blends high-stakes fantasy with unrelenting sensuality, daring to ask: why choose one when you can have them all?

Elodie, a human mage down on her luck, finds herself entwined—emotionally, magically, and physically—with a pair of alluring monsters and a rival who refuses to stay out of her orbit. Set in a world of arcane cults, divine magic, and steamy entanglements, this story doesn’t just toe the line between fantasy and erotica—it straddles it unapologetically, with claws and fangs on full display.

Autumn Hawthorne’s writing is lush, immersive, and boldly character-driven. The world she’s crafted thrums with detail, from the hierarchies of magic users to blood-bound mate bonds that tie lovers—and fates—together. The city of Nozven feels lived-in and dangerous, but also richly sensual, especially during its infamous festival of pleasure where Elodie’s life changes forever.

What truly elevates the story is the emotional core beneath the heat. The polycule dynamic—between fiery Elodie, golden-hearted Rhas, sharp-edged Xytian, and the enigmatic Vyn—is not only erotic but deeply rooted in themes of consent, trauma healing, and chosen family. Their relationship grows with intentionality and respect, creating a rare blend of explosive chemistry and emotional vulnerability.

That said, you should come prepared. The spice is intense and frequent, integral to both the story and the world. There’s a glossary to help with the occasionally complex world-building, but some may find themselves lost in the magic systems or craving more depth to the cult plotline, which simmers rather than fully boils.

Still, if you’re seeking a fast-burn, monster-filled, queer-inclusive romantasy that doesn’t shy away from dark themes or steamy tension, Bound by Their Blood delivers in droves. It’s both fantasy and fantasy fulfillment—with just enough danger and heart to keep the pages turning.

For fans of: why-choose romances, monster mates, emotionally grounded smut, and spicy stories with soul.

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this ARC for me to review

[Luv. Books_ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, let’s talk Bound by Their Blood because whew… this book grabbed me by the ankles and did not let go. If you are even remotely into why-choose romances with a monster twist (and I mean MONSTER), this one might just be your new obsession.

First off—Elodie? Iconic. She’s curvy, clever, emotionally scarred but still standing strong. She radiates that “I’ve been through it, but I’m still soft where it counts” energy. And I love her for it. Then we have our boys—Xytian (the protector, 10/10 would fight a god for you), Rhas (soft cinnamon roll with claws), and… yeah, the spice is spicing HARD.

Let’s just say, the “fated mates” thing? Taken to a whole new dimension here. Literally.. There are tails. There are multiple anatomical surprises. And yet, the emotional payoff is just as intense as the spicy scenes which, by the way, should come with a fan and a gallon of water.

The world building? Super rich. I loved the whole cult conspiracy arc though I do wish we had gotten deeper into it. It felt like the setup was huge, but the payoff skimmed the surface. Still, it added a darker layer to the story that made everything feel more urgent.

And can we PLEASE talk about Monroe? That dramatic little gremlin of a familiar stole every single scene. I would die for him.

It’s not a light read there are definitely trigger warnings, so check those but if you’re into queer rep, plus size positive heroines, monster mates, found family vibes, and a whole lotta heat, this one might just become your new fave.

Honestly? 4 stars just for the sheer chaotic horny magic of it all. You will laugh, you will fan yourself, and you will probably need a nap after.

[Brittini Ramsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

OMG, I picked this up purely because the cover said 'A Why Choose Monster Romance', so I pretty much just expected a straight up Monster Smut Novel with no story. I was pleasantly suprised to find that there was a bit of a story to go along with this monster romance.

I'm not too sure on the 3rd being in the relationship. The first 2 I picture as some form of demonic satyr things, but the third all I can picture is an Argonian (from Elder Scrolls - so a Lizard Man) with wings.... hmmmm, not sold on that one.

Also, HTF with or without a magical potion is this Magical Monster Dick supposed to fit inside the human female... Like seriously. She keeps saying 'I can feel you in my chest' but NO SHIT SHERLOCK, these beings are bigger than your forearm in length and width! Training her body to take something as long as her torso, I don't mind me some monster peen, but come on, make it believable. Does she have some magical pocket dimension in the middle of her vagina so half the dick disappears and just pops up at her cervix!?

Aside from the human taking gigantic magical monster peen, it was a cute little read with a cute ending (no pregnancy trope) but follows a bit of a fated mates style story.

Storyline/Plot : 2⭐
Spice : 4🌶️ There is an assortment of combos becuase one being I think is more androgynous, so I don't actually know how to write that up. But they all do each other so...🤷
There is also, stretching, biting (with blood), magical bondage, spanking, dom/sub, praise

Overall this gets a 2.5 overall for me, just because I would like my Magical Monster Dicks to be fitting a little more realistically.

[Kelly Ormsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an author tells you their book has an unhinged amount of THOSE kind of scenes... believe them. Bound by their Blood was EXACTLY as advertised, and if monsters are your thing, this is 10000% a book for you.

I genuinely couldn't put this book down. I LOVED the plot, but I was so disappointed in how little of the book it was because the actual story had so much potential. I wished it was dragged out to a 3 book series instead of 300 pages, 200 of which were a mashed up collection of hands and very particular four letter words.

Elodie was lovely. A beautiful, strong, independent woman struggling to deal with her magic and trying to find herself after trauma, and juggling not just 1, but 3 partners? SUCH a good story. I docked a few stars because the genuine meat of the story is completely lost to scenes that don't quite seem to fit the character or the background world building.

The need for a potion for them to safely be together, but then in just a few weeks she was able to stretch and train her person for something that could break her? Then Elodie flip-flops between "I need to go at my pace" to "I'm in love with all three of you, even though I REALLY didn't like one of you two minutes ago." It really took me out of the enjoyment of the book and I was super bummed.

I'll definitely read more books this author puts out, and I will absolutely be talking about this book with fellow book lovers, but I won't be putting it on my top reads of the year for sure.

[Cartiea Sasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. The world building is rich and super immersive—I felt like I was right there in the middle of all the magic, danger, and chaos. Autumn Hawthorne really knows how to create a setting that pulls you in and makes you want to stay.

Elodie is such a relatable main character—trying to chase her dreams, getting hit with setbacks (thanks a lot, Vyn 😤), and suddenly finding herself tangled up with not one, but three dangerously hot monsters. Rhas and Xytian are total opposites, but both bring the kind of intense energy that makes it impossible to put the book down. And that mate bond twist? I did not see it coming, but I was totally here for it.

And then there’s Vyn. Ugh. I wanted to be mad at them forever for stealing Elodie’s apprenticeship… but their chaotic, mischievous energy completely won me over. They’re one of those characters you love to be annoyed by—until you realize you’re actually obsessed with them.

There’s romance, magic, danger, and just the right amount of spice, all wrapped up in a story that moves fast but still gives you time to connect with the characters. The tension with the cult hunting down mages adds real stakes, and it all builds to a finale that had me flipping pages like crazy.

If you love monster romance with bite (literally), complex relationships, and an emotionally messy but strong heroine, Bound by Their Blood is 100% worth the read. Can’t wait to see where this story goes next!

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bound by Their Blood is a steamy "why choose" fantasy that leans much more heavily into the "why choose" than the fantasy. I came into this one with high hopes after loving Autumn Hawthorne’s first book, and while there’s a lot to love here, I found myself wishing the plot had gotten a bit more of the spotlight.

First off, Hawthorne’s writing continues to impress—her style is vivid and immersive, with sharp character banter, rich worldbuilding, and even a helpful glossary to guide you through the setting. I appreciated those details a lot. Elodie, Rhas, Vyn, and Xytian are engaging leads, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

However, while the book does come with a content warning about the intensity of the romance, I underestimated just how much of the story would center on it. That’s totally on me, not the author—but it did leave me a little disappointed, especially since the underlying plot about a cult threatening their world had so much potential. I just wish we’d spent more time unraveling that storyline, because by the end, it felt a bit rushed or sidelined.

Overall, if you're looking for a romance-forward fantasy with lush writing and a lot of heat, this will absolutely deliver. Just go in knowing that the fantasy elements, while intriguing, take a bit of a backseat.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

ACR READER: I was given this book to read and write an honest review of. All of this is my own thoughts of the book and my words are my own.

Let me just start off with Holy cheese balls!! I literally could not put this why choose spicy romance down. Autumn has created this beautiful world of mystical creatures, sexual tension, and magic that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this book.
Oh and let not forget how spicy this book is! I'm rating it a 4/5 chilli's. While it comes along tastefully in the plot, it is hot and heavy {and bloody amazing} so make sure you read the content warnings at the start. The plot underlying the spice is what really kept my attention to this book, it is written to captivate the audience and that's exactly what it does.
Autumn has made a whole new fantasy world that has so much to give! This world has gods, temples, completely different types of monsters, mages, cults and so so much more to give you. The plot twist of the bloody century, nothing had me prepared for this. I had tears, laughter and an all round amazing time reading this book.
I think if we got a bit more exploration of the world itself and the different insights to the gods this book would've had my 5 stars, however, I can't recommend reading this book enough; especially if you love fantasy.

[Kim Bobbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound By Their Blood is a new monster why-choose romance by Autumn Hawthorne. This book was a super fun read. Elodie is a curvy, intelligent woman who has a wanderer’s heart. She has dealt with a lot of tragedy in her life. When she is passed over for an apprenticeship, she thinks her time in her current home may be coming to an end. Elodie needs a distraction from her lost apprenticeship and her rival Vyn. She decides to attend the local festival of pleasure. This is where Elodie meets her two monster admirers. Xytian and Rhas are mates and they are drawn to Elodie. They know from the start that they must possess her. In the midst of their story, their town is plagued by a group of cultists who are hunting mages and stealing their power. Elodie’s fierce independence will not allow her to be possessed by her monster suitors. This could lead to her into danger with cultists lurking around every corner.
I enjoyed reading about Elodie and her mates. Elodie is self-assured, fiercely independent and knows what she wants. Xytian is loyal, loving and determined. Rhas is the softie cinnamon roll. Together they make a sweet and sultry combination. The spice between these characters is unique to say the least but these characters are deeply romantic and their love is really beautiful. If you enjoy why choose romance with a monster twist I think you’ll enjoy this book. Please read all content warnings and make sure this story is for you before you dive in.

[Amanda Hetchler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow… this was such a fun and spicy monster romance!
Autumn Hawthorne absolutely delivered with this one. The story follows Elodie, a human mage who struggles with loneliness and never stays in one place for long. In search of a distraction, she attends the Festival of Pleasure—where she meets Rhas and Xytian, two alluring beings with fangs, charm, and a willingness to share Elodie.

What starts as one unforgettable night turns into something deeper. The chemistry between the trio is undeniable, and their connection only intensifies. But danger is brewing—cultists are hunting mages, and Elodie is a target.

Meanwhile, Vyn—who snagged the apprenticeship Elodie had been working toward—feels a growing pull toward her, and their bond deepens as the danger escalates. As fate begins to weave their stories together, Elodie must decide: will she open her heart, or continue running from what could be her destiny?

The dynamic between Rhas (the sweet one) and Xytian (the protective one) was super cute, and the spice? Top-tier.
That said, I do wish there had been more world-building and character background. I wanted to know more about them all beyond the romance!

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book. If you're in the mood for a steamy, monster-filled ride with emotional tension and a touch of danger, definitely give this one a go!

[Storybyscreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review
Already gave a review on Instagram but my account got disabled so...
This book? Whew. A fast-burn, high-heat fantasy ride that had me clutching my phone like it was the last lifeline on earth. Three monsters. One human woman. One heart. Zero regrets. And a whole lot of pleasure. Yeah, it goes there.

We’ve got a world full of monsters, mages, and magic—and not the sparkly kind. The kind that makes you blush, sweat, and maybe question your morals just a little bit. (I danced with the devil and I liked it, okay?)

Main characters? Obsessed.

Elodie: spicy, curious, and full of heart.

Rhas: broody dreamboat.

Xytian: possessive and intense.

Vyn: MY FAVE. The playful banter between Elodie and Vyn? I giggled. I kicked my feet. I swooned.


Spicy rating? Let’s just say... the scenes had me staring at the wall afterwards. Autumn did not come to play.
Final Verdict: I was consumed. No regrets. I love how vivid the world was—the descriptions fed my overactive imagination perfectly.

If you’re into monster romance with unapologetic spice and a fast pace, Bound by Their Blood needs to be on your TBR now.

Disclaimer: ARC provided by the author. All opinions are mine!

[Skye Rennolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review! (All views are my own.)

Holy hells, I knew what I signed up for and I still was not prepared! Spicy, sultry, steamy, and so very full of feeling. This why-choose (undeniably one of my favorite tropes) hits all the right spots, and then some. I've been in a bit of a slump regarding fantasy (especially romantasy; everything has felt like the same thing over and over), but this book snapped me out of it so fast I got literary whiplash.

If you're looking for a plus-sized FMC (check), monsters (double check), spice (triple check), queer representation (oh yes), and a world so fully fleshed out that I need more, stat, this is it. The monster races all have different names and languages that can take a minute to get the hang of, but there's even a helpful glossary to help you get a grip on the different terms.

Genuinely, all pretty language aside, I devoured this. It has a gorgeous plus-size FMC and the language around her is something I wish I saw more of (as a plus sized person). The relationships develop in a way that feels so real, and it's not always happy perfect sunshine. The plot is so beautifully crafted, and the spice is actually important to the plot. I would happily read this author all day, every day.

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!

A truly fantastic read! Elodie meets Rhas and Xytian at a festival and shares an unforgettable evening with them exploring mutual desires and it was explosively hot. It becomes clear to that shes tied to them through a rare bond where their blood sings to each other. There’s an extra nefarious cult that is wreaking havoc wherever they come and they’re after Elodie. I really loved all these characters and Vyn. I thought the way Vyn and Elodie interacted everytime they crossed paths before they realized they were also part of the bond was really hilarious. Elodie was so resentful of Vyn and they just seemed to eat it up. The spice in this was PLENTIFUL and every last bit of it was hot on an otherworldly level. This is a monster romance so be prepared for size differences and atypical “members” if you catch my drift. I really enjoyed all the different ways this Chorus of characters came together and showed their devotion to one another. There’s some really intense and descriptive battle scenes in this and you’ll realize how insanely badass Rhas and Xytian are. The ending of this was extremely satisfying and I thoroughly loved the whole book. I can’t wait to read whatever Autumn has in store for her readers next.

[Risa Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🩸why choose
🩸monsters
🩸fancy peens
🩸fated mates
🩸bits of BDSM
🩸obsessive/possessive

Honestly, I loved this book. It ticked off so many checkboxes for me. I had trouble putting this book down!

Elodie is an intriguing character that I enjoyed getting to know. Her mates were my favorites, though. I just adore Rhas. He’s so cute and sweet with a perfect touch of danger. Xytian is possessive, attentive, and dominating, so yes, more, please. Vyn is sweet and just wants to be around Elodie.

The plot is intriguing and kept me guessing. I continuously wondered when the cultists would hit next, and if they’d manage to get Elodie (or Vyn).

I really only have two complaints. I felt like Vyn was introduced into the dynamic too late in the book, so we didn’t really get to see them interact much individually with the others in the dynamic. I also felt like the ending was a little rushed. Elodie goes from storming out over the fated mates bit to suddenly being basically all in after the big fight. Which, I get, but I would have really liked to see more discussions from them after the fight and before the epilogue. (Though I’m very happy with how the book ended)

Overall, I loved this book. I think this is definitely going in the reread pile.

[Eel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn has done it again. Given me everything I didn't know I needed. Fast-burn monster romance. The spice was glorious but beneath all that heat was a world and characters that I absolutely loved.

Elodie, a lonely human mage with a past that won't stay buried, finds herself claimed by monsters. Rhas, all warmth and grins, and Xytian, a silk-wrapped dagger with a bite. But let's not forget about Vyn, the draconic rival who's not done with her yet.

This is a spice-forward story being a fast burn why-choose, no question, but it never feels shallow. The world building and character depth are there, drawing me into the city streets, the tension of a cult hunting mages, and the emotional push-pull of trust, desire, and survival.

I've come to expect this from Hawthorne, she knows how to create characters that feel alive, more than just a collection of tropes. This had the emotional core that I crave.

You absolutely need to add this to your TBR! & it comes out so soon. This is the book for you, friends. Thank you to the author for the ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.

[Justina Bascombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to author Autumn Hawthorne for this gifted ebook. These thoughts are my own.

Bound by Their Blood is a monster why choose romance. And it is spicy! The FMC Elodie was just looking for one night to let go and feel free and indulge in the pleasures of the festival. She finds Rhas and Xytian and they do not disappoint. They end up wanting to keep her. She turns out to be their mate. The missing puzzle piece, they think. Elodie wasn't having it though. She enjoyed their time together at the festival and would do it again but did not want that level of commitment. That's not until Vyn, the actual final piece of the puzzle comes in... He's already Elodie's rival in their field so this addition was fun to see added to the mix.

The spicy scenes in this book are absolutely spicy and also interesting. The author does tell us that anatomy is not what we would "normally" come across and she was not kidding. Plenty of times I found myself trying to picture what the heck was happening based on her descriptive writing. I'm seriously going to need some pictures because wow that was interesting to say the least! LOL

[Rosalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – Bound by Their Blood by Autumn Hawthorne

I received an ARC of Bound by Their Blood in exchange for an honest review, and let me tell you—this book was everything 🔥. If you’re craving a dark, spicy, why-choose monster romance with possessive love interests and a fierce heroine, you’re in for a ride 🖤.

Elodie is such a compelling main character—strong, vulnerable, and caught in the kind of twisted, blood-bound dynamic that keeps you turning the pages 🩸. Each of her monster lovers brings something dangerous and delicious, and the chemistry? Off. The. Charts.

Quote that lives rent-free in my head:
“You were never meant to choose just one of us. You were born to be ours—all of ours.”
(Cue the chills 👀)

Be sure to read the content warnings before starting ⚠️—this story dives into intense, darker themes, and it doesn’t pull its punches.

I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see what Autumn Hawthorne does next. Highly recommend for fans of high-heat, high-stakes romantasy ✨.

[Kaitlyn Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. The names threw me off a bit so I was skipping over names sometimes. If the names weren’t so hard for my silly brain, I’d probably rate hit higher! I loved so much about this book. The names are the onlyyyyyyyy thing holding me up. (I’m a rough critic for names/places. Usually if it’s the names over complicate the story, I DNF. But autumn kept me hooked for so many other reasons.


Omg! Autumn send me an ARC of this amazing piece of literature. It was instantly hot! The scene the author throws you in first is so enticing. I wish I was there with Elodie, Rhas and xytian. The plot was plottin, the characters? The most diverse I’ve read in a longgggggg time. The world building? The sensual banter? Autumn nailed it all!

Seriously though. The hottest smut I’ve read in a long time. Dare I say, I like the smut WAY better than Fourth Wing! (I skipped some smut chapters there but this book? Nothing was skipped). I couldn’t get to the hoooottttt scene fast enough lol.


Who knew I had a monster kink?

[Haeli S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spice was SPICY in this why choose monster romance. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The books starts off with our FMC, Elodie looking for a release after a crushing disappointment… and let’s just say, what she finds is so much more than she expected. I loved her strength and how she held her ground- even when things got 🥵. Consent and boundaries are handled beautifully.

The MMCs each brought something unique to the table. Xytian was dominant and protective and Rhas a sweet, comedic breath of fresh air. The last partner of the chorus, Vyn, joins the poly mix later in the story, and while it felt a bit rushed, it was clear they were meant to be part from the start. I just wish we had more time with all four of them together 🔥.

Beyond the spice, Hawthorne weaves in a fantasy world with magic, cults and a climax I didn’t see coming (pun intended). There’s even a twist that hit me out of nowhere that I loved.

If you’re into monster romance with heat, heart and dash of choas. This is one to read!

Thank you Autumn Hawthorne for the ARC!

[Hailey Malouin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an early copy of Bound by Their Blood, and let me just say, calling it spicy feels like an understatement.

This is a fantasy why-choose romance packed with monster mates, magical intrigue, and sizzling chemistry that practically scorches the page. Despite the high heat, the plot doesn’t fall by the wayside. In fact, it kept me locked in from the first chapter. The world is immersive, the stakes are gripping, and the character dynamics are full of delicious tension.

Our heroine, Elodie, is everything I love in a main character! Quick-witted, brave, and unapologetically herself. She navigates this strange new world with cleverness and heart, and her dynamic with her monstrous partners is both sexy and surprisingly sweet.

This book delivers exactly what it promises: intense heat, a strong heroine, and a soft yet steamy monster polyam romance. If monster anatomy and magical group dynamics are your thing, this one checks all the boxes.

Huge thanks to Autumn Hawthorne for the ARC! I'm already looking forward to whatever comes next!